Robert Henri

Robert Henri was an American painter born on June 24, 1865, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and he passed away on July 12, 1929, in New York City. He was a leading figure in the Ashcan School, an art movement known for its realistic and unidealized depictions of everyday life in early 20th-century urban America. Henri's impact on American art was profound, as he championed a more democratic and accessible approach to art, encouraging artists to depict the world around them with honesty and vigor. He was also a pivotal educator, teaching at the Art Students League of New York and influencing a generation of artists, including Edward Hopper and George Bellows. Henri's seminal work, "The Art Spirit," published posthumously in 1923, continues to inspire artists with its insights into the creative process and the role of the artist in society. His legacy is marked by his commitment to portraying the vitality of modern life and his role in shaping American realism.